Seahawks vs. Colts: Live Game Grades and Analysis for Seattle

The Seahawks headed to Indianapolis Sunday for the second of three consecutive AFC South matchups. Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson will forever be linked, having shared the same draft class and similar levels of rookie success. With combined starting records of 29-11, during regular-season play, something had to give in the two quarterbacks' first matchup.

Pass Offense: After a solid start to the game, the ability to air it out went stagnant fairly quickly in the second half. Russell Wilson had thrown for 128 yards in the first half, but finished with just 210. The game drew to a close with Wilson being forced to scramble—once again—and throwing an interception. The Seahawks simply became too reliant on Wilson's legs to keep up with the hard-charging Colts. This game would have been completely different if not for Wilson's ability to escape the pocket seemingly at will.

Run Offense: Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson each had 102 yards on the ground, the team finishing with a total of 218. The running game was nearly able to carry the offense through the latter stages of this one, but ultimately the offense was too one-dimensional.

Pass Defense: Andrew Luck seemed to be able to rely on T.Y. Hilton a few times to make a big play and spark the Colts offense. Luck finished with 229 yards and two touchdowns, with 140 yards coming on completions to Hilton along with both end-zone trips. Reggie Wayne was quiet in the first half, but he became his usual chain-moving self late in the game, snatching receptions for 65 yards and a two-point conversion. The Seahawks were able to bring Luck down for two sacks, but he was able to extend several plays with his size and strength.

Run Defense: The Colts were never able to establish a running game. They picked up a lot of their rushing yardage late in the game as they ran down the clock. As a team, Indianapolis averaged 3.8 yards per carry on 29 total carries. There isn't much to be concerned with on this front.

Special Teams: Steven Hauschka made four of his five field-goal attempts. The one miss came on a block that was returned for a touchdown. It ended up being the difference in this game. Other than the one blocked field goal, Seattle was sound across the board on special teams.

Coaching: The Seahawks were unable to give Wilson time to work, despite Lynch's excellent play on the ground. The Colts were in the Seahawks backfield with regularity and it hurt the passing game. Defensively, the Seahawks had no answer for Hilton's speed in combination with Wayne's sure route running.

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First-Half Analysis

Pass Offense: The Seahawks got the passing game going early for once, with the team looking downright dominant in the first quarter. With injuries all over the offensive line, Russell Wilson's improvisational skills have been on full display. He has 128 yards passing to go along with 54 yards on the ground and two passing touchdowns. Golden Tate has come to life a bit with three catches for 49 yards and a touchdown.

Run Offense: Marshawn Lynch has been his usual tough-running self with 11 carries for 76 yards. Lynch and Wilson have been gashing the Colts defense for much of the first half. Surprisingly, despite all the aforementioned injuries along the offensive line, the Seahawks have established some pretty gaping running lanes so far.

Pass Defense: Seattle started off the day by forcing three consecutive three-and-outs, but eventually the Colts were able to utilize some of the deep-passing ability that highlighted their offense last season. Andrew Luck hit T.Y. Hilton for a 73-yard touchdown to finally get on the board. Take out that completion, however, and Luck has just 24 yards passing in the half. The Seattle secondary has been great for all but one play.

Run Defense: The trade for Trent Richardson continues to look like a bad one for Indianapolis. Today he's been held to two yards on six carries. As an offense, the Colts have just 29 yards rushing on the day. The Seattle front seven have swarmed the Indianapolis backfield with regularity.

Special Teams: Overall, Seattle's special teams unit has been the better of the two. It's been great in punt and kickoff coverage and even blocked a punt for a safety. However, the one standout special teams play so far is a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown against them. The score temporarily put the Colts ahead in a game where the Seattle defense has done its job.

Coaching: Pete Carroll had his team prepared to play this week. It was evident from the start that the Seahawks were ready as this game was looking as though it could get ugly for the Colts after the safety. The 73-yard touchdown completion and the ensuing special teams play have made this a game, but if Carroll can keep his team on task, Seattle should be headed for another victory.